Joe Cole urges Mikel Arteta to drop one Arsenal star for PL clash against Chelsea after Newcastle loss
Former Chelsea star Joe Cole has urged Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to drop Leandro Trossard for their upcoming games against Inter Milan and Chelsea. The Belgian struggled to make an impact during the Gunners' 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United in their Premier League fixture at St. James' Park (November 2).
Alexander Isak's 12th-minute header gave Newcastle the lead. The Gunners failed to look threatening going forward, with Mikel Merino and Declan Rice missing some big chances to get their side back into the game.
Trossard started alongside Kai Havertz up front in a 4-4-2 formation. However, the former created zero chances, landed zero shots on target from two attempts, lost eight duels, and completed none of his two attempted dribbles.
Cole gave his verdict on the Gunners and Trossard, telling TNT Sports (via METRO):
"I thought Newcastle were absolutely brilliant today, On the ball, off the ball, they were great. I think this is a season-turning result for Newcastle. A lot of people tipped Arsenal for the league, me included, but I’m second-guessing that now after what I saw today."
He added:
"They need to go back, take ownership and lift themselves ahead of a huge week now. Going to Milan and playing Chelsea who have been in great form. They could find themselves ten points adrift. I’m sure Mikel will make changes because Trossard was off it today, he’s fantastic but there will be changes."
Arsenal next face Inter Milan at San Siro in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, November 6. They then face off against rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the league on Sunday, November 10.
"We all believe we will come back" - William Saliba urges Arsenal to focus on Chelsea clash following Newcastle loss
Arsenal centre-back William Saliba is confident his side will bounce back next week for their Premier League fixture against Chelsea following their loss to Newcastle earlier today. He also gave his verdict on the Gunners' title hopes after dropping points in their third consecutive league game.
Following the game, Saliba told TNT Sports (via METRO):
"Unfortunately we didn’t and we didn’t play the game we wanted to play. We deserved to lose today I think. I think we didn’t play how we wanted to play and they were good as well. It’s OK, we are focused on the next week and it is not finished."
He added:
"We have to stick together. Last season we had one period like and we need to stay together and have the confidence to get out. We all believe we will come back."
Arsenal have now won just two out of their last five league games and have fallen to fourth in the table, behind Nottingham Forest, with 18 points from 10 games. They are currently seven points behind leaders Liverpool and five behind second-placed Manchester City.